Coldest UK spring in 50 years

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A huge pool of cold air is bringing snow and rain to UK, giving the country its coldest spring in 50 years.

The wintry conditions could lead to Britain’s highest winter death rate for five years. Around 5,000 people are thought to have died from cold-related causes in the first two weeks of March. Many homes in Scotland have had no power for several days, and many roads are impassable.

In Northern Ireland, some households in remote areas have been warned it could be several days before their supplies are reconnected. Thousands of livestock have also died in heavy snowfalls and cold weather in Wales and Scotland. Concerns are now growing over the long term impact on the UK’s farming industry.